Computing-scale.



No. 793,606. PATENTED JUNE 27, 1905. P. C. OSBORN.

COMPUTING SCALE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 19. 1905.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

` N@ SQ i N/ [NVE/V R E) No. 798,606. PATENTED JUNE 27, 1905.

P. C. OSBORN,

COMPUTING SCALE.

APPLICATION FILED IAN.19. 1905. f

s SHEETS-SHEET 2.

WJTNESSES; [NVE 4T aa. s?, l I b/// Allameys PATENTED JUNE 27, 1905.

F. o. osBoRN. COMPUTING SCALE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. I9. 1905.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

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WITNESSES.-

CL. CQ. Y

I No. 793,606. PATENTED JUNE 27, 1905.

F. G. OSBORN. COMPUTING SCALE.

APPLIGATTON FILED JAN.19.1905.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

WJTNESSES.: INVENTOR PATENTED JUNE 27, 1905.`

f F. G. OSBORN.

vCOMPUTIING SCALE. APPLICATION FILED JAN. 19. 1905.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 5,

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UNITED STATES Patented June 27, 1905.

PATENT OEEICE.

FRANCIS C. OSBORN, OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR, BY DIRECT AND MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO THE STANDARD COMPUTING SCALE COM- PANY, LIMITED, OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN, AN ASSOCIATION ORGANIZED UNDER THE LAWS OF MICHIGAN.

COMPUTING-SCALE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 793,606, datedj June 27, 1905.

Original application filed January 26, 1899, Serial No. 703,412. Divided and this application filed January 19,1905. Serial No. 241,749.

To (all who/n il; 7mm/,y cfm/06707,'

Be it known that I, FRANCIS C. OsBoRN, a citizen ot' the United States, residingat Detroit, county of IA/ayne, State ot' Michigan, have invented a certain new and usei'ul Improvement in Computing-Scales; and I declare the I'ollowing to be a full, clear, and eXact description ot' the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form a part ot' this specification.

My invention relates to what are known as computing or price scales wherein provision is made for weighing pounds and ounces for the tare, for the rate or price per pound, and for the total value ot' the article or commodity being weighed.

One object ot' the invention is to overcome the necessity for moving the rate and value beams in order to change the point of application of the weight to the value-beam.

Another object ot' the invention resides in the construction and arrangement of a scale ot` the type named wherein the connectingblock is made movable and the point of application of the weight thereby changed as distinguished from that class of scales wherein the connecting-block is fixed and the pointof application changed by moving the beam.

A still further object of the invention is to simplify the scales of this type and to so mount the various elements that they may cooperate accurately in the weighing of articles or commodities simultaneously with the indication of the price per pound and the total value.

With these and other objects in view the present invention consists in the combination and arrangement of parts, as will be hereinafter more I'ully described, shown in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out inthe appended claims, it being understood that changes in the form, proportion,

` size, and minor details may be made within the scope of the claims without departing from the spirit or sacrliicing any of the advantages of the present Invention.

In the drawings, Figure l is a front elevation of the upper portion of the scale, parts being in section. Fig. Q is a rear elevation illustrating a similar View with the parts also in section. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional View looking to the left from the line m in Fig. 1. Fig. 4. is a sectional View of the movable connecting-block through which the weight is applied with variable leverage to the combined weight and value beams. Fig. 5 is a detail view illustrating the mounting ol one end ot the operating-bar and also the means employed for lifting the connecting-block out of' engagement with the rate-beam. Fig. 6 is a plan view of the platform-levers in the base ot' the scale. Fig. 7 is a detail View illustrating a variation in the means employed for lifting the connecting-block, through the instrumentality of which the connecting-block is lifted out oI engagement with the ratebeam without using the tare-beam asa lever; and Fig. 8 is a detail sectional view of the connection between the connecting-frame and platform/levers, showing adjustable connections.

Referring now more specilically to the accompanying drawings, the reference character A indicates the base of the scale, within which are mounted on knife-edges the bifurcated platform-lever A and the cross-lever A2. The knife-edges on which the platformlevers just alluded to are supported are shown at c3, and the knife-edges which support the platform on the levers are shown at a. The construction o1 these platform-levers is quite similar to the construction heretofore employed except that the lever A' is bent a greater distance than heretofore to bring the point of application of the arm to the left outside of the point from which the connecting-frame rises, and it has an additional corresponding arm at the right, making it a bifurcated lever, as clearly shown in Fig. 6. The character B indicates a vertical connecting-frame, so called to distinguish it from the vertical connecting-rod commonly used in these devices. It will` be observed that this frame constitutes the means employed for transmitting the rer in either direction beyond the ends of the arms of the bi furcated lever A'. A rod of' is rigidly but adjustably supported on the outer ends of the lever A', and its outer ends are loosely engaged in the sleeve 7; of the 'frame B. The outer ends of the rod (t2 are provided with knife-edges on the under side, which are dcsigned to rest insaddles 7)', thus providing a knifeedge connection between the platformleversand the connecting-frame.

The connecting-iframe B rises out of the base at one side and conforms on its outer edge to the shape of the adjacent standard C. The said frame is provided with a web c, and from its upper horizontal edge rises oppositely-disposed vertical supports c', between which extends a square rod e". lhis square rod lforms the means Vfor connecting the vframe with the beams. It will be observed that the `frame l) has a substantially broad hinged connection with the lever A', thus permitting movement of the frame back and forth in one direction only, as distinguished from the practically universal pivotal connection between the ordinary connecting-rod and the platforn1- lever.

The upper portion of the vframe of the scale is indicated by the reference character C', within which are located the means for elevating the connecting-block, together with the lower portion of the latter. case rises the standard upon which is mounted the combined rate and value beams D, 11)', and D". These beams are balanced, preferably, independently of the other portions of the scale by means usually employed for that purpose and have a fixed fulerum at (Z. rlhe rate or price beam is graduated, preferably, from 3 to 60, in a double line, and the valuebeams are provided with two series of grad uations to correspond with the two series of graduations on the rate-beam, and which are designed to disclose the total value of the artiele or cominodity purchased when the price is fixed upon the rate-beam. A series of graduations showing pounds and ounces may also be made on the value-beam.

The weight coming up from the platformlevers through the eonnecting-frame B is applied to the rate-beam through the movable connecting-block E, the function of which latter is to lix the point of application of the weight to the beams and to determine the distance the weight is applied from the fixed fulcrum of the beam. The entire weight of this block is balanced with the connectingframe upon which it is supported, and the combined platform-levers, connecting-frame, l operate the lever e' From this' and connecting-block are balanced by the tare-beam H. This tare-beam is balanced upon a suitable lnife-edge t, directly beneath and parallel with the rate and value beams and in the same vertical plane as the connecting-frame B, with which it is connected by means of the connection t', as clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 2 of the accompanying draw ings. lhe connecting-'frame l'l is so formed that its elongated upper edge extends to the right directly over the tare-beam.

',lhe connecting-blocl E consists of an upper block or poise e, which maybe termed the head-block and which is provided with means for engaging the block with the serrated upper edge of the rate-beam l), prefer ably at the right and left extremities of the block e, the lower block or frame ff', which may be termed the slide-block, embracing o1' entirely surrounding and moving freely along the rod c". A swinging link rf is provided with a knife-edge connection with the upper block e and a similar connection with the block e', by means of which the latter is suspended lfrom the former. 'lhe springoperated lever e has a knife-edge ctmnection with the swinging link c2, there being suitable cheelz-plates ff", the latter being clearly shown in Fig. 3. To provide an antifriction connection between the rate-beam and the movable block, the small roller is employed, the latter being held against the under side of the rate-beam by a spring' or other resilient pressure capable of giving' way when the block is raised `for the purpose of disei'igaging it froi'n the upper edge of the rate-beam. This block is also provided with an antifrictiou connection or support upon the rod e* through the instrumentality of the rollers or the like afl.

Vhen the connecting-block is in position for weighing, it is loosely suspended upon the rate-beam and the weight is applied from the loose swinging' link u but when it is de si red to raise the block to disengage it from the rate-beam the eonnecting-frame is raised, carrying with it the lower portion e' of the block, until the points el engage in the angles es. These points are beveled, and as they are raised agaiiist the block automatically they seat themselves in the angles 1f. lhis construction provides for and permits the lifting of the block squarely or conveniently and for raising' both of its upper edges out of engagement with the rate-beam at the same instant and also providing for holding them out of engagement and horizontally while the bloehr is being moved. The spring-operated lever e" when the block is raised engages with thel swinging link and holds it in its vertical position ready to engage with the block again when it is lowered, and therefore provides means for perfect registry of the parts dui'- ingl their upper and lower movement. 'Ifo 'i with a spring-pressure,

TOO

the plunger e andthe spring en areY used. The spring-lever e3 is employed primarily to prevent lost motion between the beam and the connecting-frame when the scale is balanced without a load. The plunger e has an extension en, which at its lower end vengages with the square rod cserving to hold the sliding block from movement when in its normal position for weighing.-

The means employed for raising the connecting-block when it is desired to move it is applied through the lifting ofthe connecting-frame itself and is applied to the frame through the tare-beam H. Near the right hand of the side of the machine is mounted the vertical plunger F. This plunger is provided at the lower end withA an adjustable cap f, which is bifurcated, resulting in its arms f2 embracing the upper edge of the tare-beam,

and which are connected through the latter by means of the pin f. The opening in the tare-beam is made considerably larger than the pin just alluded to, to provide a loose connection with the tare-beam to permit it to vibrate within a limited distance. G is a horizontal rock-shaft mounted in the frame and having a geared connection consisting of the segment l and segmental gear 2, both of which are lixedly secured tothe shafts G and G', respectively. By means of this gear connection the counter-shaft is given an increased movement over the rock-shaft.

'Ihe counter-shaft G is mounted in the frame in anysu'itable manner and is provided at one end with a pin g2, the latter being eccentrically mounted inthe end of the shaft and enters the horizontal channel g3, 'formed in the side of the plunger F. By means of this peculiar connection of the counter-shaft the plunger F is caused to rise and fall, carrying with it the outer end of ,the tare-beam, and as the plunger and tare-beam are depressed at this end of the machine the opposite end of the tare-beam raises the connecting-frame,and with it the connecting-block.

rIo operate the rock-shaft, the parallel rod G is employed and located outside of the frame and having connection with the rocksha'ft at one end thereof through the frame and atthe other end outside of the frame, as clearly shown in the drawings. This operating-rod extends along the outside of the frame and adjacent to the line of travel of the connecting-block. The block itself is provided on its face with a lug @12, by means of-which it is moved to the right or left. rI`hus the operator desiring to move the block raises up on the parallel rod Gr2 with the hand until the block is raised through the means already described, and the same hand may be employed also for moving the connecting-block. 'Ihe hand of the operator may be placed in position resting on the upper framework, so that thc block may bc moved with the ends of the fingers and thebar operated by the thumb, thus necessitating no change in the position of the hand in changing from one operation to the other. It will now be understood that the rock-shaft moves'through acertain are, and in view of which I have provided means for holding the shaft at either extremity of its movement. For this purpose I employ the spring g", so connected with the outer end of the shaft that the spring will hold the shaft at either extremity of its movement just stated. In other words, when the rod G2 is lifted it will remain in one position, and when it isidepressed by the hand and the connecting-block lowered it will likewise remain at that end of its movement, leaving the hand free to move the block. By the means thus described the scale can be quickly and easily adjusted to any desired price by the use of one hand only, leaving the other hand free to manipulate the weight of the commodity to be weighed or priced. i

In Fig. 7 I illustrate as a variation means for lifting the connecting-frame and thc headblock carried by it without involvingthe tarebeam, as above described. In this variation,

`as shown, I employ a rock-shaft 3, mounted in the frame and provided at each end with an arm 4. The armsll midway of their lengths are each provided with suitable means for engaging pivots 5, extending outward from the edges of the frame 6. Z is a rock-shaft running parallel with the rock-shaft 3 and provided with cams 8, adapted to lift the arms 4 as the rock-shaft 7 is operated through the operating-handle 9, which is located outside of the frame. The object of this variation is to illustrate the employment of means other than the tare beam for lifting the connecting.- frame. r

I desire to state at this time that both vforms and arrangements herein described have already been illustrated and described in a prior application presented by me and that, therefore, the subject-matter embraced in the foregoing' and in the appended claims is matter divided from my said prior application, and which latter was iilcd on the 26th day of Jianuary, 1899, Serial No. 703,412.

The operation of my invention is as follows: If the weight only of the article or commodity is desired, that weight is found on the tarebeam or may be found on the value-beam, if desired. In this particular my scale does not differ from the older forms or devices. If it is desired to weigh an amount to be deter-v mined by its total value, vthe poise-block vD3 is moved on the value-beam to the value fixed upon.. rI`he operator then places his hand on the rod C and raises it to the upper extremity of its movement, elevating the connectingblock and freeing it from the rate-beam. He then moves the block to the right or left to the rate per poundof the article or commodity IOO IIO

being weighed. rlhe weight is then placed on the scale and added to until the scale balances in the manner common to these devices.

that l claim isv l. The combination ot' a slidable eonnect- "ing-block, means for lifting said cmmectingblock inchuling an operating-bar extending along the line ot' travel ol: said connectingblock arranged to be raised in operating said li lting means.

2. ',lbe combination et the longitudinallymovable connecting-block, the rock-shaft1 operative connection between the rockshatt and block for lifting said block, and the parallel bar extending' along the line ol" travel of the connecting-block from which the rock-shaft is operated.

3. In a computingscale. a price-beam and colmecting-block movable relatively toeach other, in combination with means comprising a haml-lmr mounted in the [ixed 'lranuiwork and extending alongin Vlront olE said beam Yfor disengaging said beam and bleek preparatory to the relative movement.

4.. ln a computing-scale, a l'ixed j'nice-beam, a connectil'igblock longitudinally movable thereon, means comprising an operatingbar extending along in [front ot' said beam and mounted independently o'lE the block, arranged to disconnect said block lrom said beam so that said block may be moved freely along' said beam.

vln a computing-scale, a price-beam, an adjustable connectingblock clasped thereon and arranged to be moved directly by the band olt tl le operator,means meun ted indepmulentljT ol the block arranged to unclasp the block lrom the beam and operative connection between said means and the block.

(S. ln a computing-scale, a lixed price-beam, an adj ustablc connecting-block movable thereon, means for raising said block including an operating-bar extending along in Yfront ot' said beam and so located with reference to said block that the bar and the block may each be operated directly by the hand of the operator without change el position olf the hand to operate the bar; substantially as set forth.

7. lna. computing-scale, a lixed price-beam, an adjustable connectingblock horizontally movable thereon and arranged to be moved directly by the hand of the operator, means for raising said block including a bar extending along in front et said beam and so located with reference te said beam that when the hand ol the operator is in position to opera-te the block, it is also in positionto operate the b: substantially as set forth.

8. ,In a computing-scale, a price-beam, an adjustable connecting-block thereon, means including an eperating-bar mounted in the lixed Framework et' the scale arranged to it'ree said block Yfrom said beam, said bar extending along infront olf said beam and so located with reference te said block that the hand ot' the operator may be in position to operate both the block and the bar at any position ol the block; substantially as set Forth.

9. ln a computing-scale, a price-beam, an iuljustable connecting-block thereon, means including an ojjierating-bar extending along in liront of said beam arranged to lree said block 'from said beam ler movement l'.lu neon, said bar being mounted indepen(lently ol the said block and so located with reference to said block that the hand of the (.)peratm' may be in position to operate both the block and the bar at any position of the block; substantially as set lerth.

10. fIn a computing-scala a price-beam,plat- `form-levers, an upright Vtrame having direct pivotal connection with one el: said platformlevers at two points, and a slidable eonneetil'lg element between the upper end ot' said trame and said beam, and means tor raising and holding said frame in an elevated position having an operative part adjacent to the slidable element; substantially as set forth.

11. 'lhecombinatienof theslidableconnecting-block and means mounted in the ixed Frai'newm'k for lifting said comiecting-l)lock and including a handoperative member ex tending along' the line ot travel el the block and adapted to be operated by the hand ol the operator while the hand is in position te more the said conneetiiig-block; substantially as described.

'12. In a price-scale1 the combinationl with the platform-levers, price-beam, verticallyextending bracket pivotally conniazted with one et' the plat|orm-levers at two points and a shi'ttable head-block on said bracket adapted te cooperate with the pricebeam, olI a tarebeampivoted to a lixcd supportoutside et the bracket and extending into the bracket and connected with the same at or about its vertical center and at a. point vertically intermediate the pivotal connections between the `frame and the plat'lorm-levers, substantially as described.`

1 3. ln a price-scale, the bi Furcated plat tormlevers, the price-beam, the verticallyextend ing open-sided bracket pivetally connected with one otI the platform-levers at two points, the shiltable head-block en said iframe adapted te cooperate with the pricebea1n, the taref beam pivoted on a [xed support outside ol' the said bracket-'lrame and in a vertical line with the pivot el? the price-beam and extending into the open-sided l,n'acket#l"rame and connected with said frame at a point vertically intermediate the pivotal comlectiens between the frame and the platteran-levers, substantially as described.

14.-. In a price-scale1 the combination oi' the platform-levers, the price-beam, the vertically-extending 'frame pivotally comiected with one et the platform-levers at two points, the tare-beam pivotally connected to said frame, the head-block connecting said frame IIC and price-beam consisting of a slidable member on said frame, a slidable member on said price-beam and a pivoted link connecting said slidable members and means located adjacent to the head-block for lifting the verticallyextending frame to disengage the head-block from the beam, substantially as described.

15. In a price-scale, the frame consisting of the base, the standards hangers and the cap, the price-beam above the cap, the tare-beam pivoted on hangers below the cap and extending through the standard in one direction, the platform-levers, a vertically-extending frame pivoted to one of the platform-levers at two points and located in the yspace to one side of the tare-beam hangers, a link connecting the vertically-extending frame and the tare-beam, and a shiftable head-block connecting the frame and price-beam, substantially as described.

16. In a price-scale, the frame consisting of the base standardshangers and cap, the pricebeam located above the cap, the tare-beam pivoted on thehangers below the cap and having its long arm extending through the standard, the platform-levers, the vertically-extending frame pivoted to one of the platformlevers at two points and formed to partially surround the short arm of the tare-beam, a link Iconnecting the vertically extending frame and the short arm of the tare-beam and the shiftable head-block connecting the frame and the price-beam, substantially as described.

17. In a price-scale, the frame consisting of the base standards and cap, hangers depending from the cap, the platform-levers, the price-beam above the cap, the vertically-extending frame pivotally connected with one of the platform-levers at two points, a tarebeam exterior to the frame and pivoted to the hangers of the cap, said tare-beam pivotally Yconnected tothe vertically-extending frame above and in a vertical line with a point midway between the two pivots connecting the frame with the platform-lever, substantially as described.

In testimony whereo- I sign this specification in the presence of two witnesses.

FRANCIS C. OSBORN. Witnesses z S. J. WILSON, S. E. THOMAS. 

